President Marcos Urges Timely Cyclone Advisories

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of monsoon rains intensified by Typhoon Carina, President Marcos has directed government agencies to issue timely advisories for incoming cyclones to ensure public safety.

"We are dedicated to advancing technology to safeguard lives from future disasters," Marcos posted on Facebook.

La Niña Preparations

During a sectoral meeting at Malacañang, preparations for La Niña were discussed. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that around 1.3 million families, or 4.8 million individuals, across 17 regions, 63 provinces, and 4,227 barangays were affected by recent weather disturbances. The death toll stands at 39, with nine injured and 732,000 people currently housed in 557 evacuation centers. Infrastructure damage is estimated at P4.26 billion, while agricultural losses amount to P551.78 million.

Flood Control Master Plan

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan mentioned that implementing the flood control master plan could reduce flooding in Metro Manila by 70 to 80 percent. However, he noted that full implementation might not be completed within Marcos' term, but efforts will be maximized.

Projects like the Marikina dam and the Parañaque spillway, included in the master plan during the time of Marcos' late father, were not executed due to sociopolitical issues. Currently, the flood management master plan is less than 30 percent complete, according to Bonoan.

The plan, requiring a P351-billion budget, was approved during the late President Benigno Aquino III’s administration in 2012. In 2013, then public works secretary Rogelio Singson said the plan would only be fully realized by 2035, as it involves large-scale infrastructure projects.

Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan

Aside from the flood control master plan, the government has developed a comprehensive drainage master plan spanning 50 to 60 years. The World Bank has approved funding for this plan, aiming to address Metro Manila’s outdated drainage system, according to acting Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes.

Artes mentioned they are awaiting the extension of the World Bank loan facility. Bonoan highlighted that Metro Manila's internal drainage system is only about 30 percent efficient due to silt and garbage, necessitating rehabilitation.

Transparency in Flood Control Projects

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III called for state agencies to post online details of contractors involved in government flood control and management projects. Pimentel urged President Marcos to direct the Department of Budget and Management, DPWH, and other agencies to disclose contractors' information online to promote transparency and accountability.

"Let the public know the individuals behind these lucrative flood control projects," Pimentel said, citing Sen. Joel Villanueva's observation that the flood control budget exceeds P1 billion daily.

Senators will scrutinize the entire budget process during the 2025 national budget deliberations. Sen. Grace Poe also called for an inquiry into the underutilized flood control budget, especially after the recent monsoon rains and Typhoon Carina. Poe pointed out that despite budget increases over the past five years, the DPWH has shown a downward trend in fund disbursement for flood control and management projects.

The DPWH received P90 billion in 2020, P101 billion in 2021, P128 billion in 2022, P182 billion in 2023, and P244 billion this year. Over the past five years, funds for the flood management program have comprised about 20 percent of the DPWH's annual budget, increasing to nearly 25 percent in 2024.